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Jakarta Post

Maher Zain-On religious tolerance

(JP/R

Indah Setiawati (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sun, May 27, 2012

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Maher Zain-On religious tolerance

(JP/R. Berto Wedhatama)

Swedish singer Maher Zain has easily secured a place in the hearts of Islamic music listeners in Indonesia.

One of his songs, “Insha Allah” (If God Willing), from his first album Thank You Allah, became an instant hit during the Ramadan holy month last year. It was played in media and numerous public places, including shopping malls and traditional markets. The album garnered Maher Zain 10 platinum awards from Sony Music Indonesia.

It did not take long for him establish himself as an Islamic singer who strives to inspire his listeners. Zain launched his second album, Forgive Me, on iTunes earlier this month, which was followed by a launch in Jakarta the next day.

So what is so special about the second album?

“It’s very special. It’s a big mix. Forgive Me has 14 songs and a mix of everything about love. There is a song about Allah, a song about the Prophet, a song for my daughter, for my wife in a romantic way and a song called ‘One Big Family’, which is about brothers, sisters and humanity,” he says.

The Islamic influence is still strong in the album, as shown by the number of Arabic lyrics. The music used for every song in the album is rich and unique. “Ku Milikmu” (I Am Yours), a song with Indonesian lyrics has a melancholic melody that is familiar to Indonesian ears, while “Number One for Me” has a danceable R&B beat. Another song, “Mawlaya”, has Middle Eastern strings and percussion. There is something for everyone.

With such a variety of themes, Zain admits that he wants to reach a wider audience without abandoning his identity as an Islamic singer who tries to inspire and entertain people.

“Our music is Islamic, but it’s not only for Muslims. Islam itself is not just about worshipping, reading the Koran or praying. It’s a way of life. It’s being respectful for our fellow human beings,” he says.

He cited some lines from a song called “Number One for Me”, which talks about respecting mothers and not taking them for granted. The song, he says, was made for all the mothers around the world.

“Only God knows how much you mean to me. That’s the only thing I say. It’s not even Islamic or religious, but it is,” he says.

Zain says he produced almost all of the melodies in the second album and penned five songs himself. He used a producer from Turkey and lyricists from Egypt, America and Sweden to help him.

Good lyrics and good music, he says, become strong communication tools. He says he feels grateful to hear stories from people who tell him how his songs have helped them.

“Number One for Me”, he says, triggered numerous comments from his fans who say they started to miss their mothers and promised to be good to them.

“This is what really gives me energy to continue what I am doing — when I hear that people get affected, positively, by my songs,” says the 31-year-old father-of-one.

The smiling singer turns serious when asked about his opinion on violence in the name of religion. He hopes people can understand that religion is not about fighting and violence.

“I hate that, really. Violence in the name of religion is equally bad for non-Muslims and Muslims. People shouldn’t say ‘In the name of Allah’ when they do something to hurt someone, because Islam is not about hurting someone,” he says.

Zain says the decision to launch the second album in Jakarta is merely because he has been staying in the capital city for almost a month after doing a three-week shoot for a soap opera for a private television station. The religious-themed soap opera Insya Allah is expected to premiere during the Ramadan in July and August.

After several hectic weeks, he spent five days holidaying in Bali with his wife and baby to relax.

“Alhamdulillah (thank God), it’s very good. We were just relaxing, going to the beach and pool. My three-week drama scene was really tiring. The holiday was very perfect before I take off with my new album,” says the nature lover who likes fishing and mounting climbing.

 

— JP/ Indah Setiawati

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